Author: N.Pearson

A Wedding in the Redwoods

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Sequoia Park Garden

It was a beautiful Monday in Humboldt county. It was only the day before, my husband had recommended I go to his co-workers wedding, even though we’ve never met.

A group of four of us waited by the bathroom in Sequoia Park for the bride and groom to come. When they had arrived, the minister had also joined us making a total of seven (safe for COVID standards.) From there we wandered around and by an attendee’s suggestion we stumbled upon the Sequoia gardens. In the time of COVID the park’s gazebo was closed off but the beautiful array of flowers with the backdrop of the Redwoods was undeniable a ceremony space. My daughter and I hid our bikes off to the side and huddled beside our group, among roses and daffodils.

The lovers smiled that smile we get when we know the focus is on us and when decisions need to be made (big and small.) The moment of time flowed with the breeze. The flowers opened up to the sunlight. They exposed their nectar and pollen and encouraged the bees and butterflies to roam.

The couple tossed me a camera and without hesitation “the moment” began. I stood still, afraid to ruin the video while another gentleman had the brideā€™s family on zoom. The written down vows were filled with words of everlasting love and commitment. After the exchange of vows from one heart to the other, they kissed. Hollers and hoots came from the entrance of the garden and our little wedding party couldn’t help but to attract a crowd. A woman approached us, congratulating the couple, in her mask, showering them with love and appreciation for their commitment.

And it was over, just like that… but it wasn’t over, was it? It had just begun. That might have been where we parted but this couple is on the road to a life of love and light.

I remember during my own wedding how quick the moment can be. I remember thinking, it’s only a moment and that there was nothing to be afraid of. Things happen fast and it’s worth making time to create space, breathe, and create intentions.

I let the sage burn and was grateful for the moment shared with new friends and the start of a new chapter in their lives.

Love is such a magical thing and marriage is a sacred event. It deserves a sacred space. It doesn’t have to be planned. It doesn’t have to last forever, but giving it the option too with positive intentions sets the fire to a new wick.

Humboldt Botanical Gardens

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A Garden in the Woods with Littlings

As the semester begins and the first few weeks kick things into gear, my 6-year old daughter and I couldn’t help but to already feel the bubble of isolation. The zoom meetings are great but there is nothing like playing with kids outside on a slightly cloudy day, barefoot in the grass.

Red Rover, Red Rover bring Susan on over!

Where to start, we just moved to a new town in the midst of COVID19. Starting a semester online and having no friends could seem like home life is the only life but fear not there are always resources available.

Researching Facebook Groups, I found like minded homeschooling parents that were looking for answers just like me. After a few weeks of establishing myself in the group an opportunity arose, someone else had reached out desperate for a playdate for their little one and I jumped on the opportunity.

We were invited out to the Humboldt Botanical Gardens in Eureka. Both, my daughter and I are a little shy so we sat by the directory sign as we watched a mother and her children play Simon Says! (I couldnā€™t remember how long it’s been since we played.) When the organizer pulled up, her three daughters ran toward the entrance and the “mingling” began and the family playing Simon Says joined us.

At first the children didn’t want to socialize, and that was alright, with plenty of flowers to explore, the adults enjoyed the silence. Until we remembered what we came here for. “Go play!” And so, they did. We sat in front of these large beautiful greenhouses while the kids ran and laughed in the grass. Characters from all types of platforms came rushing into their creative play as they used imaginary ropes to tie each other up and used fire-y, butt powers to melt the ropes away.

We continued to walk through the flowers afterwards and the other moms fluidly told their children the names of the plants as I quickly read the signs, taking in all the shared information. My daughter expressed pure joy as she explored the homes of the fairies.

If you’re reading this for a review on the Humboldt Botanical Gardens then here’s my advice: walk the forest path. If you rear to the back left of the gardens you will notice a path creeping up the hill. The path was so well maintained you might get the feeling your stepping on a soft cloud instead of detritus. Here, we ventured into the woods and I gave the children a chance to take shots with my camera.

Humboldt Botanical Garden Mascot

My daughter I both dreaded the walk back, so thankful to be around others, we didn’t want it to end. We said our goodbyes and our hypothesis was right! You can’t beat playing outside with friends.